“We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20b-21
This sums up the gospel in just a few lines. Christ died on our behalf, paying a debt He did not owe, the one we owed but could not pay. On the cross, Jesus took our sins on himself, and God treated Jesus as if he had lived our lives. All our sinful thoughts, dishonest deeds, and selfish ways were put upon Christ and he was punished as if they were his own thoughts and deeds and ways.
Jesus was our substitute; he took our place on the cross, but just as importantly, He gave us His righteousness. In the eyes of God we have the very righteousness of Christ Himself. So because Jesus went to the cross undeservedly, we go to heaven undeservedly. But wait, it is not underserved because it is now as though we have lived Jesus’ life! Our rap sheet is as white as snow- there is nothing there.
Paul begs us to be reconciled to God, for God has done the impossible and a way has been made for us- corrupt and faulty sinners that we are — to have complete, unhindered access to and communion with the holy God. Christ’s death brought (and brings) reconciliation to all who believe on Him. This is the message we must spread, both through our words and deeds. Any other message we can share pales in the light of this great truth.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Leave a Reply